S M A R T Conference - 2026
Sales - Marketing - Analytics - Relationships - Technology
March 24, 2026
Making the decision to attend the 5th annual SMART Conference, Ohio's premier senior executive, marketing, leadership and sales conference, will allow you to stay on top of industry trends, opportunities, strategies and new tactics to optimize occupancy and case load. With top local and national presenters who possess proven census results, this is a 'must attend' event to drive census momentum in 2025 and beyond!
Plus, ample time for high level networking during breaks, lunch and in-between sessions.
Censusolutions: Proud Presenting Sponsor of the SMART Conference
Censusolutions is a leading consulting firm specializing in optimizing and sustaining census within the evolving landscape of post-acute care, long-term care, assisted living, and senior housing. With over 40 years of experience, they offer customized services tailored to each organization's mission and values, including census development plans, strategic insights, sales expertise, continuing education, drone photography, branding and creative services, market research, and training programs. Their innovative and actionable strategies have been instrumental in achieving sustainable occupancy results for numerous healthcare providers across the United States.
Location:
Quest Conference Center
9200 Worthington Road, 4th floor, Westerville, Ohio 43082
Each participant is responsible for his/her own lodging and meal arrangements. We encourage you to make your hotel reservations as early as possible.
There are many other hotel options near the conference center. Google hotels on Polaris Parkway for a complete listing.
8:00 a.m. - Registration & Networking
Kick off the day by connecting with peers before the program begins. Coffee will be available.
8:30 - 8:45 a.m. - Welcome & Opening Remarks
Linda Saunders will set the stage for a high-impact day focused on innovation, strategy, and collaboration in post-acute care.
8:45 - 10:15 a.m. - AI Benefits & Technology Updates to Drive Sales and Census Momentum
Gain a 360-degree view of how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are being implemented across post-acute care. Learn how these tools can elevate targeted sales efforts, accelerate response times, and build sustainable census momentum in a rapidly evolving landscape.
10:15 - 10:30 a.m. - Break & Networking
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - AI Super User Panel: Innovations, Insights, and Real-World Lessons
Take a front-row seat with industry experts who are actively using AI in healthcare today. This interactive panel will explore current applications, innovations, and advancements - along with practical learnings, common myths, and potential pitfalls. Moderated discussion will be followed by ample audience Q&A. Panelists will also be available during lunch for continued conversation.
12:00 - 12:45 p.m. - Lunch Break (provided)
12:45 - 1:45 p.m. - Strategies to Optimize Census and Avoid the Pitfalls
Linda Saunders
Today's healthcare dynamics demand a careful balance of technology, speed, and relationship-building. Linda shares proven census-building strategies, new standards and processes, and the most common missteps that stall occupancy momentum - so you can strengthen performance and outcomes.
1:45 - 2:45 p.m. - Expand Your Referrals Through Your Organizational Profile
Learn an effective, no-cost strategy to grow qualified referrals by creating and continuously optimizing your organizational profile. This session provides practical guidance you can implement immediately to increase visibility and referral opportunities.
2:45 - 3:00 p.m. - Break & Networking
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - Post-Acute Healthcare System Case Management Leadership Perspectives Panel
For the fourth consecutive year, the OHCA SMART Conference features an unprecedented panel of healthcare system leaders from across Ohio. Panelists will share insights on current challenges, evolving expectations, and collaborative goals to strengthen post-hospital partnerships and community resources. With both moderated and participant-generated questions, this is your opportunity to get the answers you've been seeking and gain perspective on the future of post-acute care.
Greg Cini is the Co-owner of Cotter House Central Ohio, Our Home Senior Living and The Avenue Upper Arlington and has worked with many of the top senior living organizations as a consultant for more than 25 years. His experience with Independent/Assisted Living and in particularly with Dementia Care and models around the world helped shape his view on what the industry was missing. However, his most relevant experience came when his family cared for his grandmother-in-law and most recently his mother, making sure they were safe, healthy and living their best life in spite of the disease. As the founder, President and most importantly Culture Curate, Greg aims to change the way the industry goes to market and cares for the elderly and especially those living with dementia by leveraging the latest in nutrition, fitness, research and technologies bolstered by hiring and leading the right-hearted people with a deep passion for this work.
Karri Dickenson, RN, is a patient-focused nurse leader with more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across nursing home, long-term acute care, and post-acute settings. Currently serving as System Director of Post-Acute Care at UC Health in Cincinnati, Karri provides strategic oversight of care management and social work services across LTCH, SNF, and ECF environments. She is widely recognized for aligning clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and payor strategy to improve patient outcomes, optimize transitions of care, and support financial sustainability. A trusted partner to executive leadership, medical staff, and payors, Karri brings deep expertise in utilization management, authorization and denial mitigation, appeals processes, and documentation integrity. Her work includes building high-performing multidisciplinary teams, standardizing referral and admission practices, strengthening hospital and community partnerships, and driving system-wide performance across multi-facility healthcare networks.
Catherine Herd serves as Community Relations Director, bringing a strong background in senior living and a genuine passion for helping older adults and their families navigate important life transitions with confidence, compassion, and clarity. With experience across senior living settings, Catherine is dedicated to building meaningful relationships, supporting informed decision-making, and strengthening connections between communities and the families they serve. She is known for her approachable style, commitment to service excellence, and focus on creating welcoming environments where residents can thrive. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys spending time with her family, exploring local events and festivals, and staying active with her two German Shepherds.
6.75 CE credits for Ohio NHA, Ohio Nurses, CEAL and CEHCH.
Ohio Nursing Home Administrators - Ohio BELTSS approved
Ohio Nurses
Certified Executives for Assisted Living - CEAL
Certified Executives for Home Care & Hospice - CEHCH
Members:
$199 (prior to March 10)
$249 (March 10 and after)
Non-Members:
$ 399 (prior to March 10)
$ 449 (March 10 and after)